Two PhD Opportunities: Innovations in Ocean Governance
Oceans play a critical role in combating climate change and biodiversity loss, while supporting global economies and livelihoods. As the world increasingly relies on oceans for energy, food, and carbon storage, ocean governance faces new challenges. Innovative governance models will be required to transform ocean management to be more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. While global attention on ocean sustainability is growing, there is little research on the practical enablers and barriers to transformative governance. By examining governance models like Indigenous co-governance and nature positive approaches, opportunities for innovations can be identified to help guide Australia toward more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable ocean management.
Two PhD candidates will be engaged as part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship project focusing on opportunities and barriers to innovation in ocean governance. Candidates with interest and expertise in the following key areas are encouraged to apply:
- Innovations in restorative or regenerative ocean governance approaches (eg regenerative blue economies, Indigenous led or co-designed ocean governance and/or nature positive approaches)
- Innovations in participatory management and/or community engagement (for example social listening, crowdsourcing and digital consensus building).
Both PhD candidates will be enrolled at the University of Wollongong at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), carrying out research as part of a broader Blue Economy program.
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Law
Study area: Business, Environmental & Biological Science, Humanities & Social Inquiry, Law, Marketing, Social Sciences & Advocacy
Student type: Domestic students, International students
Student status: Future Students
Scholarship amount
UOW Base Rate ($36,943 per annum for 2026)
The PhD candidates will be supported with an additional $3000 to assist with operational expenses - such as fieldwork - associated with the projects.
Duration
3.5 years
Application process
Applicants must provide a CV and a cover letter (maximum of 1000 words) outlining
- their research interests and experience, and
- a proposed research topic that aligns with the project scope. The applicant must provide the names and contact details of at least two referees.
Applications received by 11:59PM AEST on 7 November 2025 will be assessed in the first round, and the PhD opportunity will remain open until filled thereafter.
Applications should be submitted to Michelle Voyer via email to michelle_voyer@uow.edu.au by the 7 November 2025 deadline to be considered in the first round.
Following a selection process, the preferred candidate will then be invited to apply for admission to University of Wollongong.
Eligibility requirements
The selection process for this award at the University of Wollongong considers the candidates’ academic merits, research experience and interests. Essential criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree with Honours or Master’s degree with a substantial interdisciplinary research component in fields of social, political and/or natural sciences, social marketing or psychology.
- Demonstrated experience in extended fieldwork conducting quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, ideally experimenting with innovative research methods that are fun and engaging for participants.
- Theoretical understanding of ocean governance, participatory governance, or social relations or social marketing and how these influence people and the planet.
- Evidence of publications or reports in written form.
- Demonstrated English language proficiency to meet the requirements for post-graduate courses at UOW (international students only).
- Experience working with Indigenous communities is desirable.
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Application closing date
7 November 2025
Contact information
Michelle Voyer